In this episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Farnam and Tribute, we talk with top up-and-coming hunter rider Crystal Young about her special partnerships with MTM Nonchalant and his owner Adelle Alletto, why she fell in love with hunters, the strong horsewomen who shaped her career and her overall training philosophy.
About Crystal Young
In recent years, Crystal Young has made a name for herself as a top up-and-coming hunter contender through her remarkable success with MTM Nonchalant, owned by Adelle Alletto. The pair celebrated a win in the 2023 Green Hunter 3’ Stake at WEF 7 and a second-place finish in the 2023 $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby Open at the Equus Events Tryon Spring 3.
In 2024, Crystal and the 11-year-old KWPN gelding took top honors at the Performance Hunter 3’3” Championship at the Ocala Winter Finals, the Green Hunter 3’3”/3’6” Championship at the Mid Spring Concours and the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby at the World Equestrian Center.
She and the gelding maintained their competitive edge during the 2025 competition season with a fourth-place finish in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Equus Events Tryon Spring 3, a first-place finish in the Green Hunter 3’6” FP at WEC Ocala Summer 6 and a second-place finish in the Green Hunter 3’6” Championship at WEC Ocala Summer 9. But the defining moment of their 2025 season came at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show where the duo claimed reserve champion in the Green Hunter 3’6” division.
While growing up in Nutley, New Jersey, it was Crystal’s mom who first ignited her passion for horses. Diane Young primarily rode Western and would bring Crystal along to the barn, where she taught her daughter basic horsemanship skills and the two enjoyed trail riding together. By the time the budding equestrian was 12, her mom introduced her to the historic Suburban Essex Barn near West Orange, New Jersey, where Crystal first discovered English disciplines and her passion for hunters.
After gaining experience as a working student at Suburban Essex throughout her teenage years, she went on to work for notable horsewomen like Beth Batel, Ann Schear, Nikki Fry, Anne Kursinski and Carol Thompson where she gained invaluable insights and learned what it takes to produce complete horseman and women. From fox hunting and hunter paces to hunters, jumpers, dressage and cross-country, these strong female mentors taught her that true horsemanship stems from foundation and versatility.
In recent years, Crystal has received guidance in the hunter ring from Mike McCormick, Don Stewart and Brian Feigus—all of whom also provided her with immeasurable wisdom and helped elevate her own training program.
She and MTM Nonchalant kicked off the 2026 season off with a bang, winning the Green Hunter 3’9” – FP at the Winter Spectacular and the Performance Hunter 3’6”-Handy at the Winter Spectacular II. The pair also had a third-place finish in the Green Hunter 3’9” at the Winter Spectacular and a ninth-place finish at the $75,000 USHJA WCHR East Coast Hunter Spectacular.
About this Episode's Sponsors: Tribute and Farnam
Tribute
At Tribute Equine Nutrition, caring for horses has always come first. As a family-owned company safely making feed right here in the USA, they’re celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by supporting programs that make a difference through horses. Every bag of Tribute sold helps support PATH International’s Equine Services for Heroes programs helping veterans through equine-assisted services. They’ve also introduced limited-edition Patriotic Horse Treats for summer. Ready to try Tribute? Start with a free personalized feeding plan and your first bag free at TributeEquineNutrition.com.
Farnam
This episode is brought to you by Farnam, celebrating 80 years of trusted equine care, and Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, a new fly spray for horses. When your horse needs to stay focused, it helps to take flies out of the equation. Endure Gold uses brand-new, EPA-approved ingredients never before seen in equine care to annihilate flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. This advanced formula delivers fast knockdown and up to 14 days of fly protection you can trust. Discover fly protection with Endure Gold from Farnam.
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